Why do I need to take my tenant to Housing Court?

If you are unable to resolve a dispute with your tenant, you may need to start a case in Housing Court. Landlords can bring two types of cases in Housing Court. A nonpaymentcase can be brought against a tenant who has not paid rent. If the tenant does not pay the amount of rent owed, you may be able to evict the tenant through a case in Housing Court. A holdovercase can be brought against a tenant you wish to evict from the apartment for some reason other than owing rent. Tenants can bring cases against their roommatesor subtenantsin Housing Court as well. It is illegal in New York to force out a tenant who has been in an apartment for 30 days or more, or who has a lease, or who has paid rent, without going to Housing Court. Tenants can bring two types of cases against landlords in Housing Court. HP Actionsare cases that tenants file to force landlords to make repairs or provide services. Illegal lockoutcases are brought by tenants who claim their landlord, or an employee of the landlord, locked them out illegally (without going to court).